It led to 277 boys and 151 girls being taken into care, according
to the Social Development Ministry, which runs the centre.

However, officials played down fears child abuse cases were getting
out of control.

"The increase in the number of cases registered is because of
awareness and the community's trust in coming forward to deal with
the problem," said a ministry statement.

The centre, which employs counsellors and specialists to help
support children with psychological problems, is being forced to deal
with younger victims.

"A total of 169 cases were in the age group of six to 10,
followed by 161 cases between 11 and 15," said the ministry.

It also registered 11 cases where the children were in the age
group 16 to 18 years.

Most of the cases involving violence were registered in the
Northern Governorate, with 166 cases, followed by 86 in the Central
Governorate, 80 in Southern Governorate, 70 in the Muharraq Governorate
and 26 in the Capital Governorate.

Centre officials forwarded 10 severe cases to the courts and
another 18 to the Public Prosecution.

It also conducted 56 lectures on child abuse prevention last year
that were attended by 2,043 participants.

Meanwhile, the free National Child Helpline (998), linked to the
centre, dealt with 66 cases.

"A total of 6,849 calls were received via the hotline last
year that include prank calls, assistance and help from
specialists," said the ministry.

It has increased the working hours of the hotline from 7.30am to
9pm from Sunday to Thursday and on public holidays.